Q&A

Will self-raising flour work for pastry?

Will self-raising flour work for pastry?

If the recipe calls for plain flour with the addition of baking powder (or another leavening agent), self-raising flour can be used instead, simply omit the leavening agent. If the recipe does not include baking powder or a leavening agent, do not substitute plain flour with self-raising flour.

What happens if you use self-raising flour instead of plain flour in pastry?

Ever. The same applies to the flour. Bread recipes usually ask for plain flour, and that’s because the raising agent comes from the yeast working with the water, flour and salt. If you use self-raising flour, your bread won’t rise evenly and you could end up with a stodgy crumb.

What pastry is mince pies made from?

shortcrust pastry
Try this recipe for traditional mince pies. Mincemeat encased in Jus-Rol shortcrust pastry – the perfect Christmas recipe.

How do you keep shortcrust pastry from rising?

Line the base and sides of an uncooked pastry case with non-stick baking paper. Fill with rice, dried beans, or metal or ceramic baking weights. (This stops the pastry base rising during cooking.)

What is the function of egg in shortcrust pastry?

Egg yolks and water also affect pastry. Egg yolks contain fat and act as an extra shortening agent but are used more to add colour and richness to the pastry. When you’re adding water to pastry, be careful to add only enough to bring the mixture from a crumbly dough to one that can be kneaded and rolled easily.

Why is plain flour used in shortcrust pastry?

For your basic sweet or savoury pastry, when you want a tender crust and a crumbly finish, you need to inhibit the development of gluten. That’s why softer flour with lesser protein will increase your chances of making a shortcrust pastry that is crumbly rather than tough. Ordinary plain flour is fine.

Is it best to freeze mince pies cooked or uncooked?

We prefer to bake, cool and freeze. Then defrost and warm as and when needed. However you can freeze them uncooked. Open-freeze the mince pies in their oven trays then knock them out and store them in polythene bags for up to 3 months.

How do you keep a pie from getting soggy on the bottom?

They will help to thicken the liquid in the filling so it doesn’t seep into the pie crust and make it soggy….7 Tips to Help You Avoid a Soggy Pie Crust

1. Use less water.
2. Blind-bake your crust.
3. Fight the puff a better way.
4. Egg wash.
5. Seal your crust with chocolate.
6. Drain the fruit.
7. Use thickeners.

How do you keep pastry from sinking in pie?

How To Keep Pie Crust From Shrinking

1. Don’t forget to give pie crust time to “rest”
2. Poke holes and use pie weights in the bottom of the crust if pre-baking.
3. Avoid glass pans if possible.
4. Don’t overwork the dough.
5. Don’t stretch the dough to fit the pie pan.
6. Leave a little room around the edges.

How thick should shortcrust pastry be?

Shortcrust pastry should be rolled out to approx. 3-5 mm. depth.